TOKYOism

<Match Preview>

This season, Levain Cup has already been eliminated in the group stage. However, according to coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, the fact that many young players have been given the opportunity to experience the professional stage in the first 5 games is a "positive news". "Losing the game is disappointing, but if we were able to promote the growth of young players instead, we can say that there will be a great harvest in the long run," said coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA. Whether the remaining final game will be treated as a mere match or seen as another opportunity for growth, there will be a significant difference in the experience gained.

The opponent in the final match will be Fukuoka, who defeated Tokyo 1-5 in the J1 League Sec. 11 on May 3rd. In his third year as manager, Shigetoshi HASEBE has organized a team that patiently waits for opportunities in the opponent's defense while also aiming for quick counterattacks. For Tokyo, it will be important to control the ball and avoid the risk of being countered, while also finding gaps between Fukuoka's midfield and final line to score goals.

For Tokyo, who is currently on a 3-game losing streak in the league, this is a crucial match where they need to regain their momentum and performance. Keep an eye on the "fresh power" that will give Tokyo a boost.

Matchday Program

[Interview with Coach Albert]

Q, 2 registered players participated in practice.
A, I think their presence is important and there should be more connection with the academy. The second team for the top team is the youth team. In that sense, I think there are players who are active there, and even players who are active in the junior youth category may be called up to the top team. And regarding tomorrow's match, we have been fighting in the same way in the Levain Cup this season, but I want to give more opportunities to young players.

Q, Regarding this season, I heard that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA has incorporated the concept of the top team into the U-18 team. Does that mean it is easier to incorporate?
A, For me, a professional soccer club must focus on development, and it is essential to train in the same direction as the top team. Otherwise, what is the point of having an academy? The strengthening department of the top team must organize the top team and the academy comprehensively as part of the entire club's strengthening department. When the club adopts a new system and clarifies its direction, it is necessary to unify not only the top team but also the academy in order to promote a specific playing style. Currently, the academy is progressing in the same direction as the top team, so there are some easy parts to work on. I think it is normal for us to move in the same direction we are currently working on, and it is an exception to do otherwise. The academy of a professional soccer club is not a place for coaches to express their own playing style as they please. The staff must express a playing style that aligns with the club's direction.

Q, What is your position on tomorrow's game?
A, it's the same as before. We consider the position of the Levain Cup in this season as a place to encourage the growth of each player, especially young players. In addition, we want to use it as a place for players who have not been able to get playing time to regain their game sense. It is difficult to evaluate the talent and potential of young players without seeing them play in official matches, so we also want to use it as a place to evaluate their potential and possibilities. That is what we should do in the Levain Cup this season. It is difficult to win in all tournaments when we are trying to change our playing style clearly this season, so we are asking to play the Levain Cup in the way I explained earlier. Also, at the beginning of this season, there was also the impact of the new coronavirus infection, so we were forced to play the Levain Cup in its current form this season.

Q, How are the Tokyo U-18 players in the eyes of coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, with academy players such as Renta HIGASHI and Kanta DOI participating in practice?
A, I think the quality is high. Our top team players are also making efforts to adapt to changes in playing style. The U-18 players also need to continue to make more efforts to adapt and improve their focus on winning. And what they need to do is to have a hungry spirit, ambition, and if they have it, they need to express it and appeal on the pitch. I expect bold plays from them. As I always say, I don't care about the mistakes of young players at all. Rather, I think it's a bigger problem if young players don't make bold plays without taking risks.

Q, How is Morishige's condition?
A, thanks to everyone, I am finally able to join the team practice and participate in official matches. Based on today's training and condition, I want to gradually improve my condition while confirming how much I can play or not. As the league matches continue with a tight schedule starting this weekend, I hope to contribute to the team in a good way. After that, there will be a little break, so I am also hoping that Henrique will be able to come back. Makoto OKAZAKI's knee condition is not necessarily good, but it is not a very bad situation either. There is a high possibility that he will be able to return to the team soon.

[Player Interview]

<Shuto OKANIWA>

Q, What differences did you feel between going up to the top team and comparing it to being a professional and university?
A. First of all, I felt the difference in the level of each player. Each player has clear characteristics and there are many players with unique plays and techniques that cannot be imitated, so I think that is a big difference between university and professional.

Q, Have you been able to understand the new soccer style that you have been practicing since the camp?
A, It was easy to understand and easy to make corrections as an individual because we often use videos to analyze from the camp. I think it is efficient and good for the team to make corrections as well.

Q, There are many exemplary players in the side back position, but is there anything you feel during practice?
A, I also thought it was important to stick to my own style. Of course, there are things that the coach is looking for and tactics, but I also think it is important to value what cannot be separated as an individual. That is the most important part for me when playing with my teammates and watching the game.

Q, What preparations have you made so far for the final match of the Levain Cup?
A, It is often a difficult situation because you never know when a chance will come, but I have been working with the belief that a chance will come someday. I want to achieve good results here, including those efforts.

Q, What kind of play do you want to show when you play in a game?
A, I want to value my own uniqueness, so I want to focus on things like my activity level, positive attitude, and running up the side to cross the ball. I want to play with that kind of attention to detail.

Q, what do you need to do to seize the opportunity in this game?
A, I will try to play while thinking about not losing the ball easily as we build up our attack as a team. I want to make positive choices and add an accent to the team. As it is my characteristic to run up to the front line and be involved in scoring, I think it will lead to the future if I play with even more awareness of that.

Q, I think you have come to watch games at Ajinomoto Stadium many times as an academy graduate. You may finally have a chance to stand on the pitch as a professional, what are your thoughts?
A, I haven't been able to play at Ajinomoto Stadium yet, including last season, so I'm really looking forward to it in that sense. I think a lot of fans and supporters will come, so I definitely want to win and share the victory with everyone.

Kashif BANGNAGANDE

Q, I underwent surgery on my right knee in October last year and experienced a long-term absence of about 6 months. I finally returned to the field in the Levain Cup Shonan game on April 13th, but how is your current condition?
A, I am having so much fun with soccer right now. I have never been away from soccer for half a year, so I am happy to be able to live a soccer-centered life again. My game sense and physical sharpness are not yet 100%, but I am even enjoying the feeling of physical exhaustion.

Q, How did you spend your time when you couldn't play soccer?
A, I was depressed immediately after the surgery. For the first 2-3 months, I had to use crutches and it was difficult to live a normal life, so I didn't want to think about soccer at that time. But after gradually recovering, I worked hard on rehabilitation and focused on training my inner muscles, which was my challenge. Now, I am told that my body has become bigger than before the injury and I feel that my contact play has also become stronger. I think this is the result of strengthening during the period when I couldn't play soccer.

Q, Is the team adapting well to the new playing style that coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA is looking for?
I have gotten used to the speed of play, but I am still in the trial and error stage. However, I believe I can still increase the number and quality of my attacking plays, which are my strengths. So, I want to challenge myself more in actual matches and showcase my skills.

Q, Please share your enthusiasm for the upcoming Levain Cup Fukuoka match.
A, Levain Cup has been eliminated in the group stage, but that's why it's important to see what kind of play can be shown by players who have had few opportunities to play in the league, including myself. We lost to Fukuoka in the league in May and it was a bitter experience, so I want to challenge and fight fiercely for revenge. Thank you for your support!

Matchday Program